Will follow in famous footsteps of Frank Sinatra, The Beatles
The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Luciano Pavarotti all performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall, now Destrehan junior Haley Taylor will follow in those famous footsteps.
Taylor was recently accepted as a finalist for the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. Taylor said she was inspired by her grandfather, a former opera singer who passed away in May.
“He had a chance to go to New York City and perform when he was younger, but due to family hardship he wasn’t able to fulfill his dream,” she said. “Maybe in a small way I can fulfill his and my dream together.”
The program first required Taylor to be nominated by her choir teacher, Michael Townsend. Following the nomination, the program then requested a personal recording of Taylor singing in both English and Italian. After a panel review by Carnegie conductors, Taylor’s nomination was accepted this past October.
“Haley is very much looking forward to her trip to the Big Apple to represent Louisiana and St. Charles Parish,” said Wayne Taylor, Haley’s father.
Taylor’s recent success comes only after years of training. The St. Rose teen began as an 8-year-old studying music and voice with the Broadway Babies Club in Metairie. Under the direction of Bonnie Knowles, a regular guest at the New Orleans Opera Chorus and founder of the Shoestring Players touring show, Taylor has grown into roles in various ensembles.
Only recently, however, has Taylor begun to find her way into the spotlight. This year, Taylor was the lead in Destrehan High School’s production of “Cinderella.”
“Haley’s acceptance to this elite group is a direct result of talent, dedication and achievements,” Wayne said.
In addition to her starring role in “Cinderella,” Taylor was recently elected as the first junior secretary-elect of the Louisiana Federation of Music Clubs for 2014. In the organization’s first “junior” convention ever, Taylor brought home cash awards after taking first place in two solo singing categories.
The Carnegie series will pair students from throughout the U.S. and Canada with renowned musical conductors. In addition to developing and performing vocal ensembles, the five-day series will also allow Taylor to attend a Broadway show and go on guided sightseeing tours.
Taylor said she dreams of one day making it to a Broadway stage. In the short term, the student said she plans to major in music in college, and looks forward to possibly qualifying for the program again next year.
The series runs from Feb. 19–23, with a final Honors Performance scheduled for Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at Carnegie Hall.
Be the first to comment